There are many organizations and crafters sending crochet blankets, toys and clothing to people in Syria. Karen Kirk wanted to do something different to help the Syrian refugees temporarily housed at camps in Greece. She wasn’t sure what skills she could offer but she went to Greece to do her best, and it turned out that crochet skills and supplies were something she could contribute.

As an undocumented immigrant in the United States Jose Luis Zelaya did not qualify for funding for higher education so he had to find a way to put himself through college. Crochet helped. He started making and selling affordable crochet accessories, particularly hats called DREAMbeanies, to raise funds to support himself. He’s really been successful in his education and is now working hard to encourage education as a path for others.

I am shining a spotlight on crochet designers, artists and makers who come from different parts of the world, hold a variety of beliefs and share themselves in myriad ways that are relevant to today’s issues.

Back in 2014 there was an amazing gallery exhibit of crochet from Tuvalu and people began to pay attention to the history and art of the craft in that region. Since that time, not much has been published online, but it’s worth a look back at that exhibit to get some inspiration!

Do something special for yourself in 2017. Take the time to go on a crochet vacation. Take a trip to a crochet retreat, book yourself on a crochet cruise or attend a crochet workshop / convention in an interesting area. Here are some of the best options for 2017 crochet travel.